Seder plate infographic

An infographic illustrating the minhog Ashkenaz (German) seder plate layout.

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The traditional minhog Ashkenaz (German) seder plate layout is similar to that described by the Rema, with items placed in the order they are used in the seder, with those used first closest to the leader.

This infographic illustrates a traditional minhog Ashkenaz seder plate layout following the opinion of Rabbi Binyamin Shlomo Hamburger. (See the source section below for more detail.)

Infographic

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Source

This layout is described by Rabbi Binyomin Shlomo Hamburger in Guide to Minhag Ashkenaz, translated by Rabbi Reuven Poupko, and published by the Machon Moreshes Ashkenaz:

In order to follow the halachah of Ein ma’avirin al hamitzvos, according to which the closest mitzvah must be performed first, the Seder items are placed according to the order in which they are used. The karpas is placed closest on the right with the cup of vinegar to its left. The maror is placed behind the karpas with the charoses to its left. The roasted egg is placed behind the maror with the bone to its left, behind the charoses. The bone should have a kezayis of meat attached to it. Unfortunately, many haggados specify only the Seder plates of the Vilna Gaon and the Ari, and as a result, the Rama’s authentic Ashkenazic Seder plate has been all but forgotten.